Hayes Knight’s Tax Advisory Committee Chairman, Michael Carruthers has won the prestigious Thought Leader of the Year Award at the 2016 Australian Accounting Awards.

The recipient of this award personifies “business leadership, is entrepreneurial and committed to the industry. They support the growth of new industry entrants as well as the delivery of training, education and mentoring.”

Michael Carruthers actively helps shape tax legislation and policy to make it more pragmatic, meaningful and worthy of change. And, once change is initiated, he works with the accounting profession to interpret and manage change in a meaningful way. He is a member of the advisory panel for the Board of Taxation, Chairman of the Tax Advisory Group for Hayes Knight and its associated entities, and Tax Director for Knowledge Shop. Michael acts as an adviser’s adviser to the accounting profession, Australian Taxation Office, and Government.

Most recently Michael influenced how the recently enacted small business restructure roll-over rules apply. These rules allow small businesses to restructure without adverse tax outcomes. He made a number of recommendations around the design of the rules that were adopted by the Government as well as being involved in the preparation of guidance materials released by the Australian Taxation Office on the practical application of the rules.

Hayes Knight Chairman Greg Hayes said that, “Michael has forged a significant reputation not only within the Hayes Knight group but throughout the profession. Within Hayes Knight Michael ensures that the group of companies are at the forefront of tax and policy change and can quickly translate the impact of change for the benefit of clients.

He has the capacity to make a difference at a very high level and does exactly that. We are very proud of his achievements.”